Competing business helps after destructive burglary

TUCSON – A restaurant is raising money for its competition after a destructive burglary.

Raksha and Harmesh Bhatti have been running India Oven since 1994. After one of their 12-hour days, they found their home burglarized and vandalized. All of their jewelry and electronics were stolen, which included their digital photos.

Anna Stevens is the kitchen manager at another Indian restaurant, The Twisted Tandoor, which just opened this month.

“That restaurant is actually what got me interested in Indian food,” Stevens said. “And when I started working here I actually went to visit her quite often to get some tips.”

Raksha Bhatti said the Twisted Tandoor owners have been regular customers for years.

“Me no competition anyone,” she said. “Me no jealous anyone.”

The Twisted Tandoor will donate a portion of its profits to the Bhattis the next 4 Mondays, starting July 17.

When customers learned about the burglary, business picked up at India Oven.

“Thanks for my customers,” Raksha Bhatti said. “Everyone come here. They hug me. They help me. They give me more business too. Thanks for all public.”